56th Annual Picnic Under the Stars Raises $425K
The stars aligned at the 56th annual Picnic Under the Stars gala to benefit the American Cancer Society. Held for the second year at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, the event drew 520 guests to the fiesta-themed event and raised more than $425,000 to support the ACS mission and patient programs.
The festivities kicked off with cocktails, tequila bowling and a silent auction that included spa services, jewelry and one-of-a-kind experiences. Mariachi Pasion welcomed guests into the ballroom to begin the evening’s program. Cover band Tréjà Vu provided the entertainment as a dinner of braised short rib with mole sauce and ancho chile glazed jumbo shrimp was served.
Fox 10 Arizona anchors Andrea Robinson and Troy Hayden emceed the event, bringing attention to the patient programs that Picnic Under the Stars benefits. Tom Sadvary, former CEO of HonorHealth and special gala honoree, shared his personal cancer journey from losing his father to lung cancer to becoming a health-care executive of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and finally becoming a bladder cancer survivor. He surprised guests by making a personal $25,000 donation to the American Cancer Society.
Auctioneer Yve Rojas led a spirited live auction and paddle raise before the program concluded and guests took to the dance floor.
Linda Greer, M.D., chaired Picnic Under the Stars. Sponsors included Sonora Quest Laboratories, HonorHealth, The University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Money Radio 1510AM and 105.3FM, Phoenix Business Journal, Phoenix Magazine, iheart Media and Fox 10 News.
PHOTOS BY EVERARDO KEEME COURTESY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Tréjà Vu and dancing
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch ballroom; Lorraine Bergman and Nancy Meyer
Jennifer Cance and Dr. William Cance; Bob De La Torre and Joyce Santis
Keira Nothaft and Mi-AI Parrish
Steve and Nicole Williamson; Patty White and Dwight Todd
